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Kevin Parreira grew up surrounded by his grandfather Noel Nash’s music and decided to follow in his footsteps with his own career in the music industry.

“I began to play several years ago when I was around 15. I chose to become a musician because I was exposed to it all my life. I grew up in Ireland with my grandfather who has been a musician his whole life. I grew up admiring and watching him since I was young in different pubs and parties,” Parreira said.

He was born in Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland, and moved to the United States at the age of seven with his mother.

“What I enjoy the most about playing is just how much of an outlet it has become for me throughout the years. Music has helped me a lot through the years, taught me many things, and shaped me into the person I am today. I am grateful for that.”

He added that his grandfather was his inspiration to pick up the guitar. “I have always admired and looked up to him since I was small. The music that I listen to keeps me inspired and continues to sculpt me.”

Given the opportunity to collaborate with a musician, Parreira said he would most like to sing and play with Jeff Buckley.

“That’s a tough one to answer since I look up to so many musicians, but he would have to be my choice. I love his style of beautiful, passionate, yet heavy songs. You can just tell what music means to him, and he lives through it when he performs.”

Although Parreira loves all styles of music, alternative rock and blues grab his attention the most. “The things that have helped me perform effectively would have to be the technical side of things, which I feel people often forget and overlook. Without your guitar, amps, and sound systems, you won’t be able to create that sound you’re chasing,” he said.

Although he was around music, he did not begin playing guitar until the middle of his teenage years.

“I picked up the guitar throughout multiple stages of my life, but I didn’t really begin to bond with it until the beginning of high school when I was around 15. I enjoy the guitar so much simply because of its versatility as an instrument. You can always learn and improve and explore your creativity through it.”

Parreira has plans to graduate from Auburn University and become a professor in the next five to 10 years. “I will still be pursuing music since it will continue to be a massive part of my life,” he said.

When he is not playing music, he passes the time by engaging in other social activities.

“I have tons of hobbies, and it would be hard to name them all. I really enjoy reading books of all kinds and writing stories and poetry. I also play video games to unwind and relax.”

Parreira, a 2021 Opp High School alumnus, is the son of Deborah Nash and has a younger sister, Skye Ramer.

“I’m grateful for the support of my family and friends because without my mom and my grandfather, I probably never would have found nor developed such a love for music. I owe it all to them and my friends who support me truly keep me going. They help me keep my spirits up when I may feel down about the music, but ultimately, I owe it all to them,” he said.